Desalination Update on Supply Demands and Decision Points for Implementation

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – City officials recommend the City continue to secure a drought-proof water supply, develop a procurement process for a Seawater Desalination Plant and move forward with the application process for a State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) loan.

City Council received an update on estimated water supply demand and financial factors for the construction of two seawater desalination plants earlier today. The region relies on 100% surface water to meet current demands. In order to drought proof water supplies, a non-surface water source is needed to meet future increases in water demand.

Large increases in water demands are projected to occur in the coming years due to the continued economic growth of the region. Corpus Christi is the regional water supplier for more than 500,000 people in seven counties throughout the Costal Bend. City Officials recommend that a new water supply designed to meet the expected water demands should be in place within two to three years.

A seawater desalination plant could be operational in 24-months once all permits and land acquisitions are obtained. Financing for a seawater desalination plant capable of producing 10 million gallons per day, expandable to 20 million gallons per day, could be obtained through a (SWIFT) loan.

For media inquiries, please contact Public Information Officer Gabriela Morrow at 361-826-3583 or by e-mail at GabrielaM@cctexas.com

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